FOR PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS

  • We generally specialize in individual and business income tax returns and small business consulting. We are a professional service firm that engages clients long-term for tax returns prepared with multiple levels of review and personalized tax planning in mind, rather than single year data entry style tax filing.

  • We do not handle tax return preparations that include part-year foreign residency considerations. While we do have expertise in US taxes as they are impacted by foreign taxes, non-residents, and non-resident aliens, our expertise is limited to certain issues. We also do not handle 706 estate taxes.

  • No. As a CPA firm we focus on long-term engagements with clients.

  • Unfortunately, no. In order to best serve our current clients, we can only spend time meeting with active or prospective clients. See our CPA Advice page for answers to some frequently asked questions.

  • Yes! In 2024 we had clients living in 25 different states. We prepared returns for every state which has an income tax, plus D.C.

  • In general, once you have talked with Doug, we need to receive your relevant tax documentation. Once we begin receiving your documents, you will be assigned an accountant who will begin preparing your return once they reach your file in their queue of clients. During this process, your accountant may contact you with additional documents you need to provide and follow up questions. Once your return has been drafted, it is sent to Doug for a final review before it is assembled and sent to you.

  • When your return is completed, you will receive an email with a link to a folder in our client document management system which contains the return, your invoice, and eFile authorization forms. If you would like a paper copy mailed to your address or prepared for you to pick up from the office, you can notify us at this point if you haven’t done so already.

  • We use SmartVault, a secure file management software to receive, store, and send files. Visit the SmartVault website SmartVault website or read more about SmartVault security

  • Digital is preferred, but we can work with paper as well. You can mail us your documents, drop them off at our office, or fax them to us (See the Contact page). We can also accept a mix of documents uploaded to SmartVault and documents sent on paper.

  • Cost is based on actual time incurred at standard rates for our accountants and senior staff who collaborate on your return, plus a nominal charge for out-of-pocket expenses. We cannot provide a cost estimate without knowing your specific details. However, it is common for our minimum fee for an individual return to include one state, a few W-2's, a few 1099 forms for interest and dividends, a few stock and equity sales from taxable accounts, itemized deductions including charitable donations, state and local taxes, and mortgage interest.

  • Call our office or send an email to doug@dougjmursteincpa.com with your name, contact information, your filing status, and any factors that you know of which will affect your filings (rental properties, income in multiple states, trusts, a small business, inheritances, etc.). Doug will send you more specific details on timing, rates, billing, etc. From there, we can set up an initial meeting to discuss your tax situation and next steps.

  • There is no specific date, but generally the closer the filing deadline, the less we are able to accommodate new engagements. Keep in mind that our deadline for current clients to submit documents in order to complete a return by the April 15th filing deadline is February 21st, and our deadline to submit documents for returns to be put on extension is March 26th. Email doug@dougjmursteincpa.com and we will evaluate on a case-by-case basis.

  • Possibly. Email doug@dougjmursteincpa.com or call our office and we will evaluate whether we can help.

Updated January 2025 for Tax Season 2024